Question

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

Antony: You all do know this mantle. I remember  The first time ever Caesar put it on; 'Twas on a summer’s evening, in his tent, That day he overcame the Nervii.

1. Who were the ‘Nervii’? Why does Antony mention the names of Cassius, Casca and Brutus as he shows the mob the mantle? (Recall & Understanding)
2. State three arguments put forward by Antony earlier to prove that Caesar was not ambitious. (Understanding)
3. Why does Antony refer to Brutus as well-beloved? Why was the stabbing of Caesar by Brutus referred to as the ‘most unkindest cut of all’? (Understanding & Application)
4. Mention three ways Brutus’ speech differs from Antony’s. (Analysis)
5. What characteristic of the mob is highlighted in this scene? State any two characteristic traits of Mark Antony revealed in this scene. Justify your answer by giving a suitable reason. (Analysis, Application & Evaluate)

Answer 1

1. The Nervii were a brave Gallic tribe defeated by Caesar in battle. Antony mentions Cassius, Casca and Brutus while showing Caesar’s mantle so that the crowd can imagine where each conspirator stabbed Caesar and feel the cruelty of the murder.
2. Antony had earlier argued that Caesar was not ambitious because:
   • He brought captives to Rome whose ransoms filled the public treasury.
   • He wept when the poor suffered.
   • He refused the crown three times at the feast of Lupercal.
3. Antony calls Brutus ‘well-beloved’ because Caesar loved and trusted him deeply. Brutus’ stab is called the ‘most unkindest cut of all’ because it was not only a physical wound but also an act of betrayal by a close and trusted friend.
4. Brutus’ speech differs from Antony’s in three ways:
   • Brutus appeals mainly to reason, while Antony appeals to emotion.
   • Brutus speaks directly and logically, while Antony uses irony, repetition and dramatic effect.
   • Brutus explains why Caesar was killed, while Antony gradually turns the crowd against the conspirators.
5.  The mob is shown to be fickle, emotional and easily influenced. At first they support Brutus, but after Antony’s speech they turn violently against the conspirators. Antony is clever and persuasive because he slowly changes the crowd’s feelings without openly attacking Brutus at first. He is also loyal to Caesar, as he uses Caesar’s wounds, mantle and memory to arouse sympathy and seek revenge.